Feeling awful

[maria40]

I was due to have a hysteroscopy under GA last Thursday but it couldn't be done as my heart rate was too high. The anaesthetist thought they might have to keep me in for observation but instead I was given an extra bisoprolol 2.5mg , I normally take one daily. A 2nd ECG, two hours after taking 2nd dose showed my heart rate had gone down to normal. By then of course too late for the procedure. Anaesthetist wrote letter to my GP - hand written, duplicated electronically and enclosing copies of ECGs - and dropped off to surgery on my way home ready for talk to GP on next day. When he phoned me he simply raised my prescription for bisoprolol, hadn't read the letters ( the call had been arranged by the staff nurse the previous day) and didn't want to to see me, as anaesthetist had recommended. When I tried to ask a further question the line went dead, whether by accident or design and ringing back was impossible as there was a very long call queue.

Now I'm feeling horrible ;I have tinnitus and am feeling shivery with very tender skin. All are side effects which I have had on the four courses of antibiotics which I was give prior to the intended procedure but would have expected them to have faded by now as last antibiotic was taken 5 days ago. I'd also like to know whether it's wise for me to have my 2nd Covid jab(AZ) - due next Sunday. I am reluctant to call GP surgery for reasons which will be obvious from the above.

I have nothing but praise for the hospital staff -especially the lovely young nurse who offered me a sandwich immediately it was clear that I wasn't going under anaesthetic - and the anaesthetist himself. As far as my GP is concerned .......the less said the better!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Complaint time - not to mention find a new GP time. They are the limit at times.

[maria40 in reply to PMRpro]

The problem with that is that there are only three in my area and the best is a tantalising few metres outside my catchment area. The worst, I transferred from 3 years ago when my present surgery was very good and it has been up until lockdown where they seem to be working under siege. But I shall look into making a formal complaint when I feel better - which ironically I do a bit after having got this lot off my chest.

[SheffieldJane in reply to maria40]

I’d ring back. Giving them the benefit of the doubt. You need some guidance. It really isn’t good enough. My excellent surgery has been pretty unhelpful since the pandemic, not really sure why. I rarely contact them and never about trivial things and yet I feel rushed off the phone and a bit of a nuisance. Is there horrendous stress that we are unaware of?

[maria40 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I can only think that they are giving priority to the vaccine rollout but surely they should have time for patients who need their advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to maria40]

My daughter said that A&E was horrendously busy yesterday - I suspect a mix of people out drinking and making up for the last 4 months and people who would have gone to the GP if they could have.

I don't understand except in the context of a desperately underfunded and understaffed service - Nothing has changed at the GP here, most vaccines are being done in centres with relatively few being done by a GP - since GPs tend to work singlehanded here it is difficult for them do do them except for certain patients less able to get to the centre. I can still call my GP and speak to her personally - hospital outpatient treatments have been restricted at times but mostly where ICU staff (like anaesthetists) have been otherwise engaged.